Healthcare

Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2007 [ sic ] - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold such drugs, devices, or services. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.

Oral Health Initiative Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Oral Health Initiative Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Oral Health Working Group to: (1) review the effectiveness of, and recommend improvements to, existing federal oral health programs; and (2) develop programs to improve the oral health of, and prevent dental disease in, children, Medicaid-eligible adults, medically-compromised adults, and other vulnerable populations at the highest risk of dental disease. Sets forth duties for the Group, including to: (1) review existing oral health programs and policies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) identify opportunities for new programs; and (3) make recommendations for improvements to the financing of oral health care. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to provide advise and recommendations to the Group.

Dental Health Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Dental Health Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to condition eligibility for loan repayment programs on dentists meeting any (rather than all) of the following requirements: (1) agreeing to practice in designated dental health professional shortage areas; (2) being dental school graduates and agreeing to serve as public health dentists for the federal, state, or local government; or (3) agreeing to provide services to patients regardless of ability to pay and using a sliding payment scale for patients who are unable to pay the total cost of services. Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to states for programs to address the dental workforce needs of designated dental health professional shortage areas.

Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with certain requirements. Promoting Health for Future Generations Act of 2008 - Amends the IRC to to revise provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), high deductible health plans, and medical savings accounts (MSAs), including to: (1) increase the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (2) allow a new tax deduction for high deductible health plan premiums; and (3) allow individual contributions to a Medicare Advantage MSA. Increased Access to Health Insurance Act of 2008 - Amends the IRC to permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance. Sets forth conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce, including: (1) a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions; and (2) limits on noneconomic and punitive damages. Sets forth provisions related to health information technology. Provides for health record banks. Creates safe harbors from civil and criminal penalties in current anti-kickback laws for providing certain health information technology and training services.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a geographic adjustment in the Medicare cap on payment for hospice care and to require hospice programs to report comprehensive data on hospice care.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a geographic adjustment in the Medicare hospice payment cap, increasing the work geographic index to 1.00 for any locality for which such index is less than 1.00. Requires hospice programs to report comprehensive data on hospice care.

Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to an enrolled individual). Removes current geographic restrictions on the provision of such services. Adds to the types of facilities authorized to participate in the telehealth program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage and facilitate the adoption of state reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure in order to expedite the provision of telehealth services across state lines. Directs the Secretary to include as a home health visit for Medicare purposes telehealth services furnished an individual by a home health agency. Provides for coverage of remote patient management services, including home health remote patient management services, for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the impact and benefits of covering remote patient management services for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (of the Health Resources and Services Administration), to make grants to expand access via telehealth to health care services for individuals in medically underserved rural, frontier, and urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.

Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to appoint personnel for health care positions within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) not specifically listed as authorized categories for appointment, as long as the Secretary provides prior notification to the congressional veterans' committees and the Office of Management and Budget. Requires newly-appointed nurses to serve a probationary period. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) appoint nurse assistants; and (2) waive required pay offsets for federal annuitants reemployed in VA health care positions. Sets the minimum rate of basic pay for appointees to certain positions in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health at the lowest rate of basic pay for a Senior Executive Service position. Allows for the payment of: (1) comparability pay of up to $100,000 annually for Office positions which are not physicians or dentists; and (2) special incentive pay of up to $40,000 annually to a VHA pharmacist executive. Removes or waives certain pay restrictions for: (1) physicians or dentists occupying administrative or executive leadership positions; (2) nurses; and (3) certified registered nurse anesthetists. Revises locality pay scale computations. Increases from $25,000 to $100,000 the special pay for nurse executives. Makes part-time nurses eligible for additional nurse pay. Provides limitations on overtime duty, weekend duty, and alternative work schedules for nurses, with exceptions for emergency situations. Reinstates the VA's health professionals educational assistance scholarship program, and increases maximum assistance amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to provide an educational loan repayment program for clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Assuring Access to Medicare Doctors Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Assuring Access to Medicare Doctors Act of 2008 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare physician payment rates. Makes adjustments to funding available to the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative (PAQI) Fund. Reduces amounts available to the Fund for expenditure during 2013, but adds funds for 2014 expenditures (under the same limitations provided for those made with money available during 2013). Provides for the transfer and deposit into the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of amounts appropriated under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which have not otherwise been obligated as of January 1, 2009, for allotments to states for payments to eligible providers for unreimbursable costs incurred by providing emergency health care services to undocumented aliens

Responsibility in Drug and Device Advertising Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Responsibility in Drug and Device Advertising Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising in the first three years after approval of a new drug or device. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) waive such prohibition if such advertising would have an affirmative value to public health; and (2) continue such prohibition in subsequent years if the drug or device has significant adverse health effects. Requires any direct-to-consumer advertisement to include a fair balance of the benefits and risks associated with the drug or device. Deems a drug to be misbranded if a direct-to-consumer television advertisement for such drug does not prominently display a statement encouraging individuals to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires the Secretary to discontinue the study designed to determine if such a statement is appropriate for television advertisements. Deems a device to be misbranded if a direct-to-consumer television advertisement for such device does not include a statement encouraging individuals to report negative side effects of medical devices to the FDA. Sets forth civil monetary penalties for violations relating to the advertising and promotion of a drug or device. Allows the Secretary to order the distribution of materials to notify the public and the medical community of such a violation and to provide corrective information. Requires the Secretary to conduct an education campaign to increase public awareness of risks that, for some patients, may outweigh the benefits of using a particular drug or device. Authorizes additional appropriations to regulate direct-to-consumer drug and device advertisements.

Ensuring access to affordable and quality health care without exacerbating the Federal budget or contributing to market inflation while providing greater choices for consumers.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Calls for the following principles for a market-based approach to be included in any health care bill considered by the 110th Congress: (1) the ability to receive point-of-service health care in preventative, emergency, and rehabilitative settings in rural and urban areas; (2) refundable tax credits for the purchase of health insurance by low-income recipients, combined with laws that permit association and small business health plans; (3) medical liability reform; (4) safe and effective health service with measurable results through health information technology; (5) building new incentives into health plans to encourage wellness and prevention and to provide incentives for people to make smart choices involving their health, health care, and health insurance coverage; and (6) giving consumers the ability to choose the best health care plan and options to meet their needs through portable health insurance and Health Savings Accounts.

HEARING ON PENDING HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION

United States · United States Senate · 21 May 2008

ACCESS Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Access, Compassion, Care, and Ethics for Seriously Ill Patients Act or the ACCESS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to permit an investigational drug, biological product, or device to be made available for expanded access under a treatment investigational new drug application or treatment investigational device exemption if specified Compassionate Investigational Access requirements are met. Gives immunity to the manufacturer, distributor, administrator, sponsor, or physician from suit or liability relating to products approved under this Act. Establishes a procedure for accelerated approval of an investigational drug, biological product, or device that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit to a patient suffering from a serious or life-threatening condition. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) the Accelerated Approval Advisory Committee; (2) a new program to expand access to investigational treatments for individuals with serious or life threatening conditions and diseases; and (3) a demonstration project under the Medicare program to pay for drugs, biological, products, and devices approved under this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "medically accepted indication" to provide for coverage of a covered Part D drug based on the sponsor's or organization's determination that the drug is for a medically accepted indication. Requires the Secretary to consider the clinical judgment and risks to the patient from the disease or condition in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biological products, and devices that treat serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions, including the evaluation of nonstatistical information. Requires any committee evaluating investigational drugs, devices, or biological product applications to have at least two patient representatives as voting members.

A joint resolution recognizing the efforts of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services to address the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Recognizes the efforts of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services to decrease the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders through the "Think Outside the Stigma" campaign. Encourages every American to work toward overcoming the stigma associated with such disorders.

A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month; and (2) the efforts of speech and hearing professionals to improve the speech and hearing development of children. Urges increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced hearing and speech deficiencies as a result of traumatic brain injury. Encourages the people of the United States to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss. Commends the 46 states that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn.

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans, including department-wide management of acute and chronic pain, the standard of care, the consistent application of pain assessments, health care personnel education and training, and education for veterans and their families.

To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make a technical correction to ensure that all physicians, as defined for purposes of the Medicare Program, are permitted to perform required face-to-face examinations and prescribe Medicare covered durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Amends part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to ensure that all physicians, as defined for Medicare purposes (including doctors of dental surgery or of dental medicine, of podiatric medicine, or of optometry, and chiropractors), are permitted to perform required face-to-face examinations and prescribe Medicare-covered durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (including motorized or power wheelchairs).

To provide for health care benefits for certain nuclear facility workers.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide health care benefits for workers who: (1) have been employed by a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor to perform duties under a contract for environmental remediation, waste management, decontamination and decommissioning, maintenance, security, and administrative activities at the Fernald Closure Project (Harrison, Ohio), the Mound Closure Project (Miamisburg, Ohio), or the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Golden, Colorado); and (2) would have qualified for health care benefits available for retirees had the individual's employment not been terminated as a result of the accelerated closure of the site.

Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for health insurance coverage. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of a health insurance issuer's primary state to individual health insurance coverage offered by the issuer in a secondary state. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to set forth rules governing association health plans. Establishes the Health Care Services Commission to enhance health care services and access to them, and the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2008 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe standards for independent health record trusts (IHRTs) in a nationwide health information technology network. Revises title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (2) require states to elect either a block grant for acute care services or implement a refundable tax credit for the Medicaid population for such services; (2) phase-out disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; and (3) establish a block grant to states for long-term care services. Abolishes SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP), effective January 1, 2010. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to create a program for new beneficiaries beginning in 2019, increasing the Medicare eligibility age to 65, and making an income-related reduction in the part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) premium subsidy. Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act of 2008 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to establish a Personal Social Security Savings Program, under which participating individuals will have their Social Security contributions directed to personal Social Security savings accounts. Establishes a Self-Liquidating Social Security Transition Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain account investments from taxation. Provides for the creation of a Social Security Lockbox Budget. Revises part A benefits. Provides for phase-in of normal retirement age to 67 by 2021. Taxpayer Choice Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the alternative minimum tax on individual taxpayers after 2006; and (2) allow taxpayers to elect an alternative income tax system without tax credits. Makes permanent the capital gains and dividends rate reductions enacted by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Excludes from gross income net capital gains, qualified dividends, and interest. Repeals estate and gift taxes. Competitive American Business Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the corporate income tax; and (2) impose a tax on the sale of property in the United States, the performance of services in the United States, and the importing of property into the United States by a taxable person in a transaction engaged in by a corporation or any other person (other than a corporation) in connection with a business. Allows as a credit against such tax any tax paid by sellers to the taxpayer of property and services which the taxpayer uses in the business to which the transaction relates. Exempts certain organizations and transactions from such new tax. Budget Control Act of 2008 - Establishes a mechanism for issuance by the President and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of spending reduction orders. Exempts Social Security benefits and obligated balances from such orders. Provides for suspension of such mechanism in the event of war or low-growth. Authorizes the majority leader of either House of Congress to introduce a joint resolution to direct the President to modify a final spending reduction order or provide an alternative to eliminate the spending excess for a fiscal year. Amends the Congressional Budget Act to make it out of order for the House or Senate to consider any legislation that would cause: (1) an excess spending amount; or (2) aggregate federal revenue levels exceeding a specified percentage of revenue relative to the Gross Domestic Product, unless so determined by a vote of at least three-fifths of the Members voting, a quorum being present.

Recognizing the efforts of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services to address the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Recognizes the efforts of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services to decrease the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders through the "Think Outside the Stigma" campaign. Encourages every American to work toward overcoming the stigma associated with such disorders.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the prevention of mental disorders and substance abuse among children, youth, and young adults, and the promotion of mental health and wellness among these populations, should be a public health priority.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the prevention of mental disorders and substance abuse among children, youth, and young adults and the promotion of their mental health and wellness should be a public health priority.

Health Care Paperwork Reduction and Fraud Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Health Care Paperwork Reduction and Fraud Prevention Act of 2008 - Establishes the Commission on Billing Codes and Forms Simplification which shall make recommendations regarding: (1) standardizing and simplifying credentialing and billing forms for health care claims; (2) reducing and simplifying billing codes; (3) reforming the Medicare regulatory and appeals processes to ensure that the Secretary of Health and Human Services provides appropriate guidance to providers for submitting Medicare claims and does not target inadvertent billing errors; and (4) updating electronic forms of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure simplicity and privacy. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process under which a physician may request from a carrier written assistance in addressing questionable codes and procedures under the Medicare program. Requires the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to restore the toll-free telephone hotline so that physicians may call for information and questions about the Medicare program. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) physician participation and pilot program testing requirements and objectives for new evaluation and management guidelines under Medicare; and (2) notice, administrative, and penalty requirements with respect to Medicare overpayments.

Save Medicare Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Save Medicare Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to: (1) increase the Medicare physician payment update for 2009; and (2) extend the physician quality reporting system, the incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas, the floor on the work geographic adjustment to the physician fee schedule, and the accommodation for physicians ordered to active duty in the armed services. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the provisions of, and amendments made by, this Act should be deficit neutral over the five year period beginning on October 1, 2008; and (2) Congress should address the challenges facing the Medicare program in a fiscally responsible manner. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Medicare program should provide payments to physicians and other health professionals that serve as positive incentives for participation in voluntary initiatives to improve health care quality; and (2) financing for such initiatives should be non-punitive and exempt from the Medicare physician fee schedule budget neutrality requirements.

Pediatric Research Consortia Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Pediatric Research Consortia Establishment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for planning, establishing, and providing basic operating support for up to 20 national pediatric research consortia. Requires each such consortium to: (1) supplement, but not replace, the establishment of a comprehensive pediatric research portfolio; (2) conduct basic, clinical, behavioral, social, and translational research; and (3) conduct training and demonstration of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods relating to pediatrics. Requires the Director of NIH to provide for the coordination of information and ensure regular communication between consortia.

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow claims for damages to be brought against the United States for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the performance of medical, dental, or related health care functions that: (1) takes place other than in the context of combat; and (2) is provided by persons acting within the scope of their office or employment by or at the direction of the Armed Forces, whether inside or outside the United States. Provides for a reduction of claims under this Act by the present value of other benefits attributable to such death or injury received by the member and by that member's estate, survivors, and beneficiaries pursuant to other federal law.

Supporting the efforts to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure through computed tomography scans for children, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Encourages: (1) radiologists, medical physicists, pediatricians, other pediatric health care providers, and parents to consider the different needs of children when it comes to radiation dosing; (2) appropriate use of computed tomography scans in children; and (3) radiation protection efforts in pediatric imaging.

Medicare Paramedic Intercept Services Coverage Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2008

Medicare Paramedic Intercept Services Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to revise requirements for payment for paramedic intercept service providers in rural communities. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in promulgating regulations for coverage of ambulance services, to cover advanced life support intercept services (ALS intercept services), regardless of the area involved. (Currently they must be provided in a rural area). Includes new conditions of coverage that define ALS intercept services as consisting of a qualified paramedic providing ALS level services in connection with the transport of a patient by an ambulance qualified to provide only a basic life support level of services. Requires that: (1) the entity providing the ambulance transportation be a public, non-profit, or volunteer organization; and (2) the paramedic providing such services is not employed or compensated by the entity providing the ambulance transportation. (Currently the ALS intercept services must be provided under a contract with one or more volunteer ambulance services which are required to be prohibited by state law from billing for any such services.) Requires, in addition, that: (1) such services be medically necessary based on the medical condition for which they are dispatched (currently they must be medically necessary based on the health condition of the individual being transported); and (2) the paramedic providing the intercept services accompanies and provides an ALS assessment or ALS intervention to the patient during the transport. Prohibits the Secretary from taking into account any payments made pursuant to this Act in determining payment amounts under the Medicare ambulance fee schedule, or the aggregate amount of payments under such fee schedule, for any year.

Food and Drug Administration Accountability and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Food and Drug Administration Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish in the Federal Register postmarket surveillance plans for medical devices, unless such information is exempted under the Freedom of Information Act. Subjects medical device manufacturers that fail to comply with postmarket surveillance requirements to civil monetary penalties. Requires the Secretary to take into consideration whether the manufacturer is making efforts toward correcting the violation in determining the amount of the civil penalty. Authorizes the Secretary to order notification of health personnel and other relevant persons if a violation of postmarket surveillance requirements of a device presents an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health, such notification is necessary to eliminate such risk, and no more practicable means is available to eliminate such risk.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent. Reauthorizes the Glory Mission. Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). Sets forth provisions concerning environmental aviation research initiatives. Requires a review of NASA's aviation safety-related research programs. Requires the establishment of an aviation weather research program. Requires the awarding of grants for the establishment of university-based Centers for Research on Aviation Training. Sets forth provisions concerning NASA's lunar exploration activities. Requires the establishment of an exploration technology development program that is not tied to specific flight projects. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) a common docking system standard to maximize the ability to rescue astronauts from disabled space vehicles; and (2) a cross-directorate technology development program. Requires the development of a plan to restart the production of radioisotope thermoelectric generator material for deep space and other science missions. Ensures that the International Space Station (ISS) remains capable for potential U.S. utilization through at least 2020. Requires specified Space Shuttle flights to be flown prior to the retirement of the Space Shuttle. Requires development of a strategy for providing commercial launch services in support of NASA's small and medium-sized science, space operations, and exploration missions. Provides for notifying federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat. Sets forth requirements for the use of commercial crew transfer and crew rescue services. Requires: (1) a review of NASA's information security controls; (2) a report on intrusions of NASA's network resources; and (3) a review of NASA's laboratories. Requires a survey regarding astronaut health care. Increases the maximum award amount for an innovation prize. Sets forth provisions for specified earth science, aeronautics, international exploration, space science, and space operations activities, missions, initiatives, studies, and programs.

National Guard and Reserve Mental Health Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

National Guard and Reserve Mental Health Access Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) provide for the implementation of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program for members of the National Guard and reserves and their families required by section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) report to the congressional defense committees on that Program's implementation. Directs the Secretary to carry out a joint psychological health program to: (1) increase access to and the provision of psychological health care and related services for members of the National Guard following their deployment, and their families; (2) improve coordination among DOD components in the provision of such care during members' transition from active duty to civilian life; and (3) coordinate and oversee DOD efforts to assist members of the National Guard with mental illness and members with traumatic brain injury post-deployment. Requires the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to establish the National Guard Psychological Health Council. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly carry out: (1) one or more pilot programs on the provision of mental health services to members of the National Guard and reserves, both before and after deployment, through telemental health technologies; and (2) an outreach program intended to reduce the stigma, among members of the National Guard and reserves returning from deployment, and their families, associated with seeking and obtaining mental health services. Requires the Secretary, as part of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, to assign community outreach coordinators to assist members of the National Guard and reserves returning from deployment.

Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an issuer of group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan that cancels or does not renew the coverage by reason of nonpayment of premiums to: (1) provide to the administrator of the plan and to each participant receiving coverage, during the 14-day period beginning on the date of such cancellation or non-renewal, written notice of the cancellation or non-renewal, the reason for such cancellation or non-renewal, and the right of reinstatement; and (2) reinstate the coverage as if it had not lapsed if the premiums due and such reasonable administrative fee as the state regulating such coverage may specify are paid to the issuer by not later than 60 days after the date the cancellation or non-renewal would otherwise have become effective. Applies such requirement in the same manner to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market. Requires the notice to be provided to an association or other organization responsible for paying premiums as well as the individuals whose coverage is affected.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month; and (2) the efforts of speech and hearing professionals to improve the speech and hearing development of children. Urges increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for soldiers, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced traumatic brain injury. Encourages the people of the United States to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss. Commends the 46 states that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn.

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON THE IMPACT OF CMS REGULATIONS AND PROGRAMS ON SMALL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 May 2008

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs) AND CONSUMER DRIVEN HEALTH CARE: COST CONTAINMENT OR COST SHIFT?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 May 2008

Early Access to Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008

Early Access to Treatment Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a drug that is not approved for marketing, but that is under clinical investigation for a serious or immediately life-threatening disease condition in patients for whom no comparable or satisfactory alternative drug or other therapy is available, to be made available for treatment use by an individual patient if: (1) the drug is intended to treat such condition; (2) there is no comparable or satisfactory alternative available to treat that stage of the disease; (3) the drug is under investigation in a controlled clinical trial as an investigational new drug or all clinical trials have been completed; and (4) an application for treatment use has been filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a licensed practitioner which sets forth the intended use of the drug, an explanation of the rationale for its use, the treatment protocol, statements of the practitioner's qualifications to use the drug and familiarity with its safety and effectiveness, and a notarized statement of the patient's informed consent. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, within 30 days after an application is filed, to grant permission to the sponsor to furnish such drug to the practitioner under such terms as the sponsor, practitioner, and patient determine to be appropriate, including any agreement to waive liability. Provides for application transmission by telephone or other means of rapid communication and for rapid action on it in an emergency situation. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to approve an application under the Public Health Service Act for a fast track product determined to have an effect on a clinical endpoint or on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit.

A resolution designating September 13, 2008, as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Designates September 13, 2008, as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Recognizes the human toll of cancer. Pledges to make its prevention and cure a public health priority.

Home-Based Health Services Job Training and Caregiving Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Home-Based Health Services Job Training and Caregiving Act of 2008 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a pilot program to make grants to eligible entities to promote the training and employment of public housing residents as home health aides and providers of home-based health services, in order for such residents to provide Medicaid-covered home-based health services to either elderly or disabled public housing residents, or both. Qualifies as an eligible entity any public housing agency, state or local government (or agency), community health center, home care provider organization, faith-based organization, labor organization, or other organization meeting specified criteria. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to require the Secretary to: (1) ensure low- and very low-income persons, residing within a home-based health services public housing project, opportunities for training and employment arising in connection with such project; and (2) award contracts to businesses that provide such training and employment opportunities.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

Expressing support for designation of May as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Expresses support for the designation of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Encourages increased awareness about the prevalence of asthma and allergies and the disparities in asthma cases based on race, ethnicity, and economic status. Recognizes: (1) health care professionals that treat asthma- and allergy-related health issues; and (2) the nation's commitment to continued education surrounding asthma and allergy treatment and symptoms and to advancing care for both conditions.

Supporting the goals and ideals of World Hepatitis Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of World Hepatitis Awareness Month; and (2) raising awareness of the consequences of untreated viral hepatitis and the urgency to seek appropriate care as a serious public health issue.

HONOR Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Honoring Our Nation's Obligation to Returning Warriors Act or HONOR Warriors Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Makes any Armed Forces member who serves in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services through Vet Centers regardless of whether the member is on active duty at the time of receipt of counseling and services. Directs the Secretary, on receipt of a request for counseling from an individual who has been discharged or released from active service, to: (1) provide referrals to assist the individual in obtaining mental health care and services outside the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2) if pertinent, advise such individual of the individual's rights to apply for review of the discharge or release. Treats the suicide of a former member that occurs within two years after separation or retirement, if the member had a medical history of a combat-related mental health condition, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as a death in line of duty for purposes of the survivors' eligibility to burial benefits and benefits under the Survivor Benefit Plan, laws administered by the Secretary, and the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces and deceased veterans through the survivors' peers. Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of various means of enhancing awareness among members of the Army of PTSD.

Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody; and (2) that such procedures address all detainee health needs, including primary care, emergency care, chronic care, prenatal care, dental care, eye care, mental health care, medical dietary needs, and other medically necessary specialized care.

Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense programs; (3) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) working capital funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (12) additional costs due to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; (13) chemical demilitarization programs; (14) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (15) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (16) base closure and realignment activities; (17) war-related military construction; and (18) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (7) DOD contractor matters; (8) matters relating to Iraq and Afghanistan; (9) DOD organization and management, including space matters and defense intelligence matters; (10) DOD financial, counter-drug, and wounded warrior matters; (11) civilian personnel matters; (12) matters relating to foreign nations, including DOD participation in bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation programs; and (13) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense programs; (3) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) working capital funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (12) additional costs due to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (7) DOD contractor matters; (8) matters relating to Iraq and Afghanistan; (9) DOD organization and management, including space matters and defense intelligence matters; (10) DOD financial, counter-drug, and wounded warrior matters; (11) civilian personnel matters; (12) matters relating to foreign nations, including DOD participation in bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation programs; and (13) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union.

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include among entities eligible for rural emergency medical service training and equipment grants entities that provide training for emergency medical services personnel, including institutions of higher education, technical colleges, community colleges, and other state-certified training entities; and (2) include among grant uses the provision of required coursework and training to enable military veterans to satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements, as determined by the appropriate state regulatory entity.

Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from: (1) denying an eligible participant or beneficiary participation in clinical trials related to the treatment of cancer that are federally funded or conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (2) denying (or limiting or imposing additional conditions on) the coverage of routine patient costs for items and services furnished in connection with such participation; or (3) discriminating against an individual on the basis of such participation. Includes as routine patient costs all items and services provided in the clinical trial that are otherwise generally available to a qualified individual, with certain exceptions. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the impact on group health plans and health insurance issuers of requiring them to cover routine patient care costs for individuals with serious and life threatening diseases other than cancer.

Native American Veterans Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Native American Veterans Access Act of 2008 - Provides for treatment of a health facility of a tribal organization as a state home for purposes of grant payments to such homes for veterans' domiciliary care, nursing home care, and hospital care. Exempts a health facility of a tribal organization from the prohibition against the Secretary of Veterans Affairs treating a new facility as a state home after September 30, 2009. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist tribal organizations in constructing or acquiring facilities for furnishing domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans and in expanding, remodeling, or altering existing buildings for furnishing domiciliary care, nursing home care, adult day health care, or hospital care to veterans in homes. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to include tribal organizations in veterans employment and training programs and grants.

Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008 - Nullifies any effectiveness of the August 17, 2007, State Health Official Letter issued by the Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (with respect to extension to uninsured children of health insurance under title XIX (Medicaid) or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)).

Hospital and ASC Price Disclosure and Litigation Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Hospital and ASC Price Disclosure and Litigation Protection Act of 2008 - Prohibits a charge-related legal action from being brought by an individual against a hospital or ambulatory surgical center if the hospital or center: (1) has met the requirements under this Act; (2) has entered into an agreement with the uninsured individual before treatment that sets the maximum price that will be charged for such treatment; and (3) has met the terms of such agreement. Sets forth disclosures that a hospital or center must provide to an individual who is scheduled to receive treatment and include in any itemized bill, including: (1) the estimated price or the price charged for the treatment; (2) the payment rate for the treatment negotiated with the network plan or managed care plan that has the largest number of enrollees; and (3) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Excludes from such requirements a treatment for which there exists a third-party price arrangement unless the individual involved requests such information. Requires a hospital or ambulatory surgical center to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding: (1) the frequency of performing certain services and administering certain drugs; (2) the charge by the hospital or center for such services or drugs; (3) the negotiated rate of payment for the treatment by the plan with the largest number of enrollees; and (4) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publicly post such information on the Internet in a manner that promotes charge comparisons among hospitals and centers; and (2) select which services or drugs are to be reported based on the frequency with which the services are performed or the drugs are administered.

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include among entities eligible for rural emergency medical service training and equipment grants entities that provide training for emergency medical services personnel, including institutions of higher education, technical colleges, community colleges, and other state-certified training entities; and (2) include among grant uses the provision of required coursework and training to enable military veterans to satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements, as determined by the appropriate state regulatory entity.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, should take action to educate the public on the importance of adequate iodine intake.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Calls for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to take action to educate the public on the importance of adequate iodine intake to: (1) prevent mental impairment in children; (2) minimize the action of perchlorate on the thyroid; and (3) avoid the other effects of iodine deficiency. .